Electrical Permit in Reno, Nevada
Required for electrical installations, alterations, and service changes in Reno. Governed by the 2023 NEC with 2024 Northern Nevada ICC Amendments. Electricians must hold Reno journeyman cards; licensed electrical contractor or journeyman must be on site for all inspections.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Service changes and panel upgrades
- New circuits, rewiring for additions or alterations
- EV charger (EVSE) installation
- Generator electrical connections
- Rewire / service upgrade (flat rate permit type)
- Receptacles/switches/outlets/fixtures installations (flat rate for first 20 and over 20)
- Journeyman card required: each individual working in electrical trades must possess a valid pre-apprentice, apprentice, or journeyman certificate from the City of Reno
- Licensed electrical contractor (license holder) or journeyman electrician must be on site for all inspections per Reno Ordinance No. 6400
Required documents
- Req
Electrical Permit Application (via onenv.us)
Apply via the ONE Regional portal; select Electrical permit type
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rewire / Service Upgrade — up to 3,000 sq ft (flat rate) | $135.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Types — Electrical Permit Types |
| Rewire / Service Upgrade — greater than 3,001 sq ft (flat rate) | $156.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | — |
| Receptacles/Switch/Outlet/Fixtures — first 20 (flat rate) | $135.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | — |
| Receptacles/Switch/Outlet/Fixtures — over 20 (flat rate) | $156.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | — |
| Service Change — residential EZ permit | $88.00 | City of Reno FY27 EZ Permits — Residential EZ Permits section |
| Electrical Meter Lockout (EZ permit) | $87.00 | — |
| Application Fee (EZ permits) | Included in EZ permit fee — no separate application fee for EZ permits | — |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Reno building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In
Wiring and conduit installed before walls closed — conductor sizing, box placement, service connections
- 2
Final
All devices installed, panel labeled, GFCI/AFCI protection verified, system energized
Tips
- Reno requires journeyman cards for all electricians working in the city — obtained from Reno Development Services.
- Licensed electrical contractor or journeyman must be on site for all electrical inspections per Reno Ordinance No. 6400.
- All work must comply with the 2023 NEC (effective July 1, 2025) with 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments.
- EZ permit types (like A/C change-out, service change, water heater) do not require plan review but require a permit before work starts.
- Reno uses the 2024 IFGC for gas piping (not a separate mechanical permit for gas).
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a journeyman card to do electrical work in Reno?
- Yes. Each individual working in electrical trades within the City of Reno must possess an appropriate pre-apprentice, apprentice, or journeyman certificate issued by the city. For more information, visit the Electrical/Plumbing Journeyman Cards page on reno.gov.
- Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in Reno?
- Unlike Idaho, Nevada and Reno do not have a blanket homeowner-pull exception for electrical work. The licensed contractor/journeyman requirement applies. Contact Development Services at (775) 334-2063 to confirm current homeowner exemption rules.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division — official building department
- City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Fee Schedule — Electrical Permit Types
- City of Reno FY27 EZ Permits Fee Schedule
- City of Reno Electrical / Plumbing Journeyman Cards
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Reno building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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